Telescopic folding structural frame

ABSTRACT

A telescopic folding structural frame is disclosed, including a first structural member operable to telescopically insert into a second member via a connector and be held in place. The telescopic folding structural frame readily engageable to a screen to retain golf balls struck by a user therein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 63/350,249 filed Jun. 8, 2022, titled “TELESCOPIC FOLDING STRUCTURALFRAME” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to telescopic foldingstructural frames, which in some embodiments can be used as indoor golfswing practice areas.

BACKGROUND

Frames for golf practice are generally cumbersome and fixed in locationand orientation. They may not be easily stored and may take up valuablespace that a user does not wish to have permanently assigned to theactivity.

To elaborate, the assembly of load-bearing structural frames haspreviously been made using various combinations of materials such aswood, plastics, composites, metals and concrete to create their shape.The most apparent disadvantage that nearly all previous structural frameapparatuses are designed to have a final form that is both static andpermanent. Although there are other types of collapsible/expandableframe structures in existence, they have low load capacity.

Thus, it would be beneficial and needs exist for collapsible andstorable structural frames.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in asimplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description ofthe embodiments. This summary is not intended for determining the scopeof the claimed subject matter.

In general, the embodiments provided herein relate to a telescopic andfoldable structural frames which can be used as a load-bearingstructural frame when fully expanded that can be collapsed and stowedaway quickly as a much smaller ergonomic mobile device. The deviceincludes various clamping hinges (90 degree locking and 180 degreereverse) which clamp to a screen, or other components of the device. Thegeometric design of the dual tapering symmetry is used for eachtelescoping support beam. A locking mechanism of telescoping supportbeams is provided to lock the telescopic and foldable structural framein a suitable extended or retracted position.

Telescopic folding structural frames are highly desirable as they allowfor convenient extension and retraction. The extended configurationallows for the telescopic folding structural frame engage with a screenwhich retains golf balls within the frame once struck by the user. Thetelescopic folding frame may then me reconfigured into a retractedconfiguration which allows for easy and convenient transportation of thedevice to various location. In such, the telescopic folding frame isreadily deployable in a variety of environments to provide aready-to-assembly and use golf screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantagesand features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a telescopic folding structural frame in expandedconfiguration, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate a telescopic folding structural frame in foldedconfiguration from various viewpoints, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a telescopic folding structural frame in foldedconfiguration with detached parts, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a telescopic folding structural frame upper rightsection, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a telescopic folding structural frame lower leftsection, according to some embodiments; and

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate telescopic folding structural frame assembliesand parts from various orientations, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing example embodiments in detail, it is noted that theembodiments reside primarily in combinations of components andprocedures related to the system. Accordingly, the system componentshave been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in thedrawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent tounderstanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not toobscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the descriptionherein.

The frame is most efficiently expanded or collapsed with two people andmay also be accomplished with just one person. To expand the frame, itis first telescoped outward along its width from its folded/collapsedposition. This process involves the removal and replacement of a (insome embodiments a dozen) steel pins to unlock the three cross bars fromtheir collapsed initial position to then lock the three cross bars totheir final point position. Next, the middle legs are separated and laidout flat on the floor. Then, the four 90 degree locking hinges areengaged bringing the vertical supports to their upright position. Thelast step is to individually remove the 16 remaining steel pins from thefour vertical supports and replace them in their final locked positions.

Advantages can include: 1. Frames can come fully assembled. 2. twotilt-engaged wheels on the back of the frame means there is no liftingrequired for it to be transported locally once in its collapsed positionand 3. the lack of the top side connecting cross bars allows for thefront and back supports to move independently from one another while notunder and type of load.

FIG. 1 illustrates a telescopic folding structural frame 100 in expandedconfiguration wherein the screen 101 is engaged with the telescopicfolding structural frame 100. The screen 101 encloses an interior 103 ofthe device 105 such that a user stands within the interior 103 andstrikes a golf ball or other projectile. The screen 101 retains theprojectile therein such that the user may practice their golf swing orother discipline while the telescopic folding structural frame 100 is inan expanded configuration.

In some embodiments, the telescopic folding structural frame 100includes attachment means 130 which connects the telescopic foldingstructural frame to the screen 101. The attachment means may be a cord,rope, or other means of connecting the frame to the exterior surface ofthe screen. The attachment means 130 allows for the efficient connectionand detachment of the screen during use and may allow for the screen tobe retained on the telescopic folding frame in the expandedconfiguration or the retracted (i.e., collapsed configuration).

FIGS. 2A-2D and 3A-3B illustrate a telescopic folding structural frame100 in folded configuration from various viewpoints. The telescopicfolding structural frame 100 includes a top telescopic member 200, abottom telescopic member 201, a left telescopic member 203, and a righttelescopic member 205. Each telescopic member 200, 201, 203, and 205 isselectively extended or retracted by the user such that a suitableinterior size of the device may be formed using the screen.

In some embodiments, base members 207 are provided to contact the groundsurface while supporting the telescopic folding structural frame 100 andproviding sufficient friction such that the telescopic foldingstructural frame 100 does not move during use.

In particular, FIG. 2D illustrates a plurality of left folding members210 and a plurality of right folding members 220 which allow for thelength of the telescopic folding structure 100 to be increased ordecreased as needed. The telescopic members 200, 201, 203, and 205 (seeFIG. 2A) allow for the width of the telescopic folding structure 100 tobe increase or decreased.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a telescopic folding structural frame uppersection 400. Top joints 401 provide a substantially 90° bend in the topmembers 403 and side members 405 which forms the frame's shape. In such,the telescopic folding structural frame 100 forms a cuboid structurehaving a hollow interior when in an expanded configuration. Thestructure is large enough to allow the user to at least partially standtherein while striking a golf ball into the interior of the telescopicfolding structural frame. Similarly, FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a telescopicfolding structural frame lower section having lower joints 500 whichform a substantially 90° bend in the bottom member 503 and side members405. This, along with the top joints 401 (see FIG's 4A-4B) provides thestructure and shape necessary to form the cuboid structure when in theexpanded configuration.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate telescopic folding structural frame collars 600which may be used to lock the various components of the frame inposition during use. The collars 600 are slidingly engaged with thetelescopic members 200, 201, 203, and 205 and/or the folding members210,220 and may provide a locking mechanism 601 to retain each of thetelescopic members 200, 201, 203, and 205 and/or the folding members210,220 in a suitable position.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. All publications, patentapplications, patents, and other references mentioned herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed byapplicable law and regulations. The systems and methods described hereinmay be embodied in other specific forms without departing from thespirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired thatthe present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative andnot restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are forconvenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connectionwith the above description and the drawings. It will be understood thatit would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe andillustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments.Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/orcombination, and the present specification, including the drawings,shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of allcombinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein,and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shallsupport claims to any such combination or subcombination.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, anddescribing embodiments of this disclosure. Modifications and adaptationsto these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art andmay be made without departing from the scope or spirit of thisdisclosure.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions,and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein areintended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from anyother embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, orstep is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should beunderstood that that feature, element, component, function, or step canbe used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitlystated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basisand written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, thatcombine features, elements, components, functions, and steps fromdifferent embodiments, or that substitute features, elements,components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those ofanother, even if the description does not explicitly state, in aparticular instance, that such combinations or substitutions arepossible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of everypossible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especiallygiven that the permissibility of each and every such combination andsubstitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill inthe art.

In many instances entities are described herein as being coupled toother entities. It should be understood that the terms “coupled” and“connected” (or any of their forms) are used interchangeably herein and,in both cases, are generic to the direct coupling of two entities(without any non-negligible (e.g., parasitic) intervening entities) andthe indirect coupling of two entities (with one or more non-negligibleintervening entities). Where entities are shown as being directlycoupled together or described as coupled together without description ofany intervening entity, it should be understood that those entities canbe indirectly coupled together as well unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in thedrawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood,however, that these embodiments are not to be limited to the particularform disclosed, but to the contrary, these embodiments are to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritof the disclosure. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, orelements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, aswell as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of theclaims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not withinthat scope.

An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for anyone of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can besubstituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements canbe described above as acting in certain combinations and even initiallyclaimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or moreelements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised fromthe combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentembodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown anddescribed herein. A variety of modifications and variations are possiblein light of the above teachings without departing from the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A telescopic folding structural frame, comprising: a first structural member operable to telescopically insert into a second member via a connector and be held in place, the telescopic folding structural frame readily engageable to a screen to retain golf balls struck by a user therein.
 2. The telescopic folding structural frame of claim 1, further comprising a top telescopic member.
 3. The telescopic folding structural frame of claim 2, further comprising a bottom telescopic member.
 4. The telescopic folding structural frame of claim 3, further comprising a left telescopic member.
 5. The telescopic folding structural frame of claim 4, further comprising a right telescopic member.
 6. The telescopic folding structural frame of claim 5, wherein each of the top telescopic member, the bottom telescopic member, the left telescopic member, and the right telescopic member are readily expandable to allow for the expansion of the telescopic folding structural frame to permit releasable engagement with the screen in an expanded configuration.
 7. The telescopic folding structural frame of claim 6, wherein each of the top telescopic member, the bottom telescopic member, the left telescopic member, and the right telescopic member are readily retractable to allow for the expansion of the telescopic folding structural frame to permit removable engagement with the screen in a retracted configuration.
 8. A telescopic folding structural frame, comprising: a first structural member operable to telescopically insert into a second member via a connector and be held in place, the telescopic folding structural frame readily engageable to a screen to retain golf balls struck by a user therein; and a locking mechanism to lock the first structural member and a second member in an extended or retracted position.
 9. The telescopic folding structural frame of claim 8, further comprising a top telescopic member.
 10. The telescopic folding structural frame of claim 9, further comprising a bottom telescopic member.
 11. The telescopic folding structural frame of claim 10, further comprising a left telescopic member.
 12. The telescopic folding structural frame of claim 11, further comprising a right telescopic member.
 13. The telescopic folding structural frame of claim 12, wherein each of the top telescopic member, the bottom telescopic member, the left telescopic member, and the right telescopic member are readily expandable to allow for the expansion of the telescopic folding structural frame to permit releasable engagement with the screen in an expanded configuration.
 14. The telescopic folding structural frame of claim 13, wherein each of the top telescopic member, the bottom telescopic member, the left telescopic member, and the right telescopic member are readily retractable to allow for the expansion of the telescopic folding structural frame to permit removable engagement with the screen in a retracted configuration.
 15. The telescopic folding structural frame of claim 14, further comprising at least one base member to support the telescopic folding structural frame during use and to minimize movement of the telescopic folding structural frame. 